Letters to the editor: Respect pedestrians

By Lisa Segura PeircePrice

Editor.

This letter is in regards to the pedestrian crossing on Third North.

Early Tuesday evening I was heading south when I saw three students attempting to cross the street from the area by the tennis courts to the Jennifer Levitt Center. They were unsure what to do. I don't blame them after what I saw next, and what I have been seeing for years now. I stopped to wait for them, as I always do, and after a few seconds they realized it was safe to cross and they acknowledged me with a wave and continued to cross the street safely. At the same time a silver car was coming north and I was watching her to see if she was going to stop or hit the kids on her end of the street. She seemed annoyed she had to briefly stop.

Then a gentleman on a bicycle appeared approaching the cross walk. I continued to stay stopped to wait for him and acknowledged to him it was safe to cross. He got off his bike and began to walk in the road when the female (I am not calling her a lady!) driving the silver car rolled her eyes at him, shook her head and mumbled unpleasantries, as she zoomed passed the man walking the bike who was now half way in the road. What disrespect, impatience not to mention non-law abiding behavior. I was appalled.

The pedestrian has the right of way (of course, like my mom said, "who wants to be dead right"). In fact, I remember learning in driver's education a driver is to stay stopped until the pedestrian is totally done crossing. I have read in the Sun Advocate several incidents where students and people who are trying to cross there have been hit by cars and I can totally see why.

In the evening it might aid the pedestrians if they did carry a flashlight or reflector, so they could be seen better. But, even without that, they still have the right-of-way.

For those few who do not care about people trying to cross a street, I want you to know if you are behind me, I will stop for these pedestrians every time and so will you. If you try to beat the pedestrian and/or are coming the other direction I will take down your license number and report you. I have seen this repeatedly violated and am appalled by the lack of concern of some drivers.

We all need to be aware when we are approaching the college for pedestrians, and give them the due respect and behavior they deserve. The students and staff at the college also greatly contribute in many ways to our county. Where would be with out them?